Sony a7 III vs a7S II Comparison
Sony a7 III
Sony a7S II
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Brand | Sony | Sony | |
Model | a7 III | a7S II | |
Released Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2018 | 2015 | |
Announcement Date Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | February 27, 2018 | September 11, 2015 | |
Camera Type |  Mirrorless | Mirrorless | |
Camera Size | |||
Camera Weight |
The Sony a7 III emerges as the winner with a score of 81, compared to the Sony a7S II‘s 60/100. Both cameras are mirrorless and share the same dimensions of 127 x 96mm. However, the a7 III is slightly thicker at 74mm and heavier at 650g, while the a7S II weighs 627g and has a depth of 60mm.
The a7 III, released in 2018, boasts a lower launch price of $2000, making it a more affordable option than the a7S II, which was released in 2015 with a launch price of $3000. Despite the price difference, the a7 III’s superior score indicates that it offers better value for money.
On the other hand, the a7S II has a minor advantage in terms of weight, being slightly lighter than the a7 III. However, this small difference is not enough to make a significant impact on the overall performance and value of the camera.
Taking these factors into account, the Sony a7 III stands out as the better camera, offering superior performance at a more affordable price, while the a7S II’s only advantage is its marginally lighter weight.
Sony a7 III vs a7S II Overview and Optics
The Sony a7 III triumphs over the Sony a7S II in optics with a score of 81/100 compared to 66/100. Both cameras share several specifications, such as a CMOS sensor, Bionz X processor, full-frame sensor size, Sony FE lens mount, and image stabilization. However, the Sony a7 III outperforms the a7S II in certain aspects, leading to its higher score.
The a7 III boasts a higher megapixel count of 24.2 compared to the a7S II’s 12.2, resulting in more detailed and higher resolution images. Additionally, the a7 III offers a faster shooting speed of 10 frames per second, doubling the a7S II’s 5 frames per second. This makes the a7 III more suitable for capturing fast-moving subjects and action shots. The a7 III also has a higher DXOMARK sensor score of 96, outshining the a7S II’s score of 85. This indicates that the a7 III has better overall image quality and low-light performance.
On the other hand, the a7S II does not have any distinct advantages over the a7 III in terms of optics. Its lower megapixel count and shooting speed may limit its appeal for photographers who require high resolution and fast shooting capabilities.
Taking these factors into consideration, the Sony a7 III is the superior camera in terms of optics. Its higher megapixel count, faster shooting speed, and better sensor performance make it a more versatile and powerful option for photographers. While the Sony a7S II shares some common features with the a7 III, it falls short in delivering the same level of image quality and speed, making the a7 III the clear winner in this comparison.
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Optics
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Sony a7 III
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Sony a7S II
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Megapixels The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 24.2 MP | 12.2 MP | |
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Image Resolution Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. | 6000 x 4000 px | 4240 x 2832 px | |
Sensor Type The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. | CMOS | CMOS | |
Sensor Size The sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture. | 23.8 x 35.6 mm | 23.8 x 35.8 mm | |
Sensor Format Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |  Full Frame | Full Frame | |
Frame Rate The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. | 10 fps | 5 fps | |
Lens Mount The lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras. | Sony FE | Sony FE | |
Image Processor The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. | Bionz X | Bionz X | |
Aspect Ratio The aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3. |  3:2 | 3:2 | |
Minimum ISO (Native) Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. | 100 | 100 | |
Maximum ISO (Native) Refers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise. | 51,200 | 102,400 | |
Minimum ISO (Expanded) Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 50 | 50 | |
Maximum ISO (Expanded) Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 204800 | 409600 | |
Minimum Shutter Speed The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. | 30 s | 30 s | |
Maximum Shutter Speed The maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries. | 1/ 8000 s | 1/ 8000 s | |
Autofocus Points Autofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings. | 693 | 169 | |
In-body Stabilization In-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. |   | | |
Viewfinder Type The viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens. | Electronic | Electronic | |
Viewfinder Resolution | 2,359,296 dots | 2,359,296 dots |
Sony a7 III vs a7S II Video Performance
The Sony a7 III and the Sony a7S II run closely in their video capabilities. These cameras share several video specifications, including a max video resolution of 4K, max video dimensions of 3840 x 2160, and a max video frame rate of 30fps.
Despite having the same video score, the Sony a7 III has some advantages over the Sony a7S II. The a7 III is known for its impressive autofocus system, which can help videographers achieve fast and accurate focus during video recording. This can lead to smoother, more professional-looking videos with less effort.
On the other hand, the Sony a7S II excels in low-light performance, making it a better choice for those who frequently shoot in challenging lighting conditions. The a7S II’s sensor is specifically designed to capture high-quality video in low light, giving it an edge over the a7 III in this aspect.
Taking these factors into account, both cameras offer strong video capabilities, with the Sony a7 III having an advantage in autofocus performance and timelapse, while the Sony a7S II is the better choice for low-light videography. Users should consider their specific video needs when choosing between these two cameras, as each camera’s strengths cater to different shooting situations.
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Video
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Sony a7 III
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Sony a7S II
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Video Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |  | | |
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Max Video Resolution The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. |  4K | 4K | |
Max Video Dimensions Video resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video. | 3840 x 2160 px | 3840 x 2160 px | |
Max Video Frame Rate How many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect. | 30 p | 30 p | |
Time-Lapse Built In A built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video. |   | | |
Video File Format Different cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files. | XAVC S, AVCHD | MPEG-4, AVCHD, XAVC S |
Sony a7 III vs a7S II Features and Benefits
The Sony a7 III and the Sony a7S II share several specifications, including a 3-inch screen size, flip screen, absence of GPS, and WIFI capabilities. However, the a7 III outperforms the a7S II in certain aspects, while the a7S II has its advantages as well.
The a7 III boasts a touchscreen, allowing for easier control and navigation, while the a7S II lacks this feature. Additionally, the a7 III has Bluetooth connectivity, enabling seamless transfer of images and remote control of the camera. These enhancements contribute to the a7 III’s higher feature score and make it a more user-friendly option.
On the other hand, the a7S II has a higher screen resolution of 1,228,800 dots compared to the a7 III’s 921,600 dots. This results in a sharper and more detailed display on the a7S II, which can be beneficial for photographers who value image clarity during shooting and playback.
Given the differences in features, the Sony a7 III stands out as the better camera due to its touchscreen and Bluetooth capabilities, making it more versatile and convenient to use. The Sony a7S II, though lacking in these areas, still holds its ground with a higher screen resolution, providing users with a more detailed display. Ultimately, the choice between these two cameras depends on the individual photographer’s preferences and priorities.
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Features
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Sony a7 III
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Sony a7S II
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Built-in Flash A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. |  | | |
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External Flash External flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera. |  | | |
GPS GPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs. |  | | |
Weather Sealing Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. |  | | |
Screen Type | LCD | LCD | |
Touch Screen Touchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons. |  | | |
Screen Size |  3" | 3" | |
Screen Resolution Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. | 921,600 dots | 1,228,800 dots | |
Flip Screen A flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles. |  | | |
Live View Live View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. |  | | |
Wi-Fi |  | | |
Bluetooth Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. |  | | |
Sony a7 III vs a7S II Storage and Battery
The Sony a7 III outperforms the Sony a7S II in storage and battery, with a score of 81 compared to the a7S II’s 21/100. Both cameras share compatibility with SD/SDHC/SDXC and Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo/Pro-HG Duo memory cards. However, the a7 III offers two memory card slots, doubling the a7S II’s single slot.
The a7 III also boasts superior battery life, delivering 750 shots per charge using the NP-FZ100 battery, while the a7S II manages only 370 shots with its NP-FW50 battery.
Though the a7S II falls short in storage and battery capacity, it may still be a suitable choice for users who prioritize other features or have a lower budget. In terms of storage and battery, the Sony a7 III clearly outshines the a7S II, making it the preferable option for those who need longer shooting times and more storage capacity.
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Storage and Battery
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Sony a7 III
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Sony a7S II
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Memory Card | SD / SDHC / SDXC, Memory Stick Duo / Pro Duo / Pro-HG Duo | SD / SDHC / SDXC, Memory Stick Duo / Pro Duo / Pro-HG Duo | |
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Dual Memory Card Slots |  | | |
Battery Type | NP-FZ100 | NP-FW50 | |
Battery Life Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. | 750 shots | 370 shots | |
USB Charging |  | |
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DXOMARK Scores
Sensor scores tested by DXOMARK |
Sony a7 III
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Sony a7S II
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Overall Score DXOMARK overall sensor score. | |||
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Portrait (Color Depth) As described by DXOMARK 'The Portrait score in our camera sensor reviews defines color depth performance and its unit is a number of bits. A color depth of 22 bits is excellent; differences below 1 bit are barely noticeable.' | 25.1 bits | 23.6 bits | |
Landscape (Dynamic Range) As described by DXOMARK 'The Landscape score in our camera sensor tests defines the maximum dynamic range of the camera sensor and its unit is an exposure value (EV). A value of 12 EV is excellent with differences below 0.5 EV usually not noticeable.' | 14.7 EVs | 13.3 EVs | |
Sports (Low-Light ISO) Described by DXOMARK as 'The maximal value of ISO sensitivity needed to reach a given value of Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR). The greater the value, the better' | 3722 | 2993 |
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Scores
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Sony a7 III
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Sony a7S II
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Main Features | N/A | ||
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Extra Features | N/A | ||
Construction and Durability | N/A | ||
Handling and Ergonomics | N/A | ||
Value for Money | N/A | ||
Total Score | N/A |
Sony a7 III vs a7S II – Our Verdict
Are you still undecided about which camera is right for you? Have a look at these popular comparisons that feature the Sony a7 III or the Sony a7S II:
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User Scores
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Sony a7 III
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Sony a7S II
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B&H photo video | N/A |
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